The Peacekkeeper Journals: The Joining [Book 1]

by CJ England

  "But I must rest soon,” Gallegar objected. “Don't we all need to be there to seal the joining?"

  "I think that could be done tomorrow night once you are awake,” Danolas replied. He looked straight at Gallegar. "I sense your concern, my brother. But she will be safe with him. Remember how you felt as I joined with our Lady. All will be well."

  Gallegar ignored the mind-speak as he stared down at Kira. Her face was alight with the knowledge she could join with Lucas.

  Smiling, she sent a narrow message in mind-speak to him only, telling him of her feelings. "Do not worry for me ... my Heart. He will keep me safe until I can be with you again."

  Gallegar sighed, defeated by the trust he heard in her voice. He turned to Lucas who stood watching them intently. Unconsciously, he took command.

  "You will take her with you this night. You need privacy for the joining, so you can do so at your home. We can hear if there are any problems once you are joined, but until then, we can focus only on Kira."

  Lucas nodded gravely. “I will keep her safe.” His eyes met Gallegar's and were steady on his.

  After a moment, Gallegar nodded, remembering their earlier conversation in front of the fire. He saw they understood each other.

  "Your vehicle is here?” At Lucas’ affirmative, he rose with Kira still in his arms. “My time grows short. I will carry her to your car then I must be on my way.” He looked at Danolas. “I can't help them once daylight comes. You will be there if necessary?"

  "Of course. Try not to worry."

  "Can we meet at A Crown of Thorns tomorrow night? We can seal the joining and then you can check Kira's shielding."

  "Of course. At sunset then, my brother. Danolas leaned down and kissed Kira's soft mouth. “Until tomorrow, my Lady.” He looked at Lucas. “I will work on a spell for you."

  "Thanks.” Lucas turned to follow Gallegar out. The other two vampires showed great relief to see their Master, and Lucas wondered just how close Gallegar was cutting it before dawn. Noah loped off to get Gallegar's car, as his Master gently stowed Kira in Lucas’ front seat.

  "Give us a moment, Lucas ... please,” Gallegar requested. The wolfman frowned, but walked away from the car. Gallegar took Kira in his arms and placed a hard kiss on her unresisting mouth.

  "We haven't had any time alone together."

  "No, only when we joined."

  Gallegar gently ran a finger up her soft cheek. “I have not been able to tell you what is in my heart.” He pressed a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth. “We hinted at love, but I want you to hear me say it. I love you, A Ghra..."

  Tears flowed from Kira's eyes at his admission. “And I love you, my Heart. I do not understand how I can love you so much ... so quickly."

  Gallegar's chest tightened as she returned his words of love. He was a little shocked at the strength of what he was feeling. “I have loved you in my dreams for over a century."

  Kira touched his chest where his new heart beat strongly. “My heart is in very good hands. I do not know how I came to love you so fast. All I know is that I do."

  "Like the others?"

  She heard the vulnerability in his voice, and kissed him. “I love each of you ... yes, but you ... you have my heart, Gallegar. No one else ever will."

  Gallegar couldn't say anything. His throat had closed up tight. He touched his forehead to hers. He saw his car pull up behind him. “I didn't know it would be so hard to part from you ... come the dawn."

  "You must go. You must be safe. I will miss you.” She kissed him again and then gently pushed him out of the car.

  Noah was waiting, and Gallegar slipped into the black Mercedes. After giving a last wave, the car raced out of the parking lot toward home.

  Lucas realized suddenly they were alone for the first time. Having the other men around kept him on edge, but now he didn't know what to say or do. He watched as Kira surreptitiously wiped the tears from her face. He took her chin and pulled it around so she faced him. Her eyes were large and bruised looking.

  "You okay?” he asked.

  She nodded. “I am just tired. But very happy you are here with me."

  That made Lucas smile as he started up the car. “Why don't we head home and I'll fix you a big breakfast. Give you a little more strength for what will come next."

  "I think I am hungry,” Kira said, surprise in her voice. “I didn't know I was until now."

  She watched as he expertly pulled out onto the road. Traffic was just beginning to pick up as dawn's pale fingers flicked away the night sky. She was quiet then, her mind following another's passage. Long minutes later, she finally felt when Gallegar was safely inside Sanctuary. She let out a relieved sigh that caused Lucas to glance over at her.

  "Gallegar is safe.” She smiled.

  Lucas pondered that for a moment before asking, “Will we be able to do that? You know ... track each other's comings and goings."

  "Yes ... if you wish."

  "You can feel Danolas too?"

  Kira closed her eyes and stretched her mind out to Danolas. He was sitting in his office with a crystal glass of liquid in his hand. He looked up when he felt her presence, smiled, then blew her a kiss.

  "Yes,” Kira giggled. “He is having a drink before going to bed.” She looked over at Lucas, her smile fading. “Are you afraid of joining with me, Lucas?"

  Lucas grimaced, as he pulled into the driveway of an apartment complex. He didn't answer immediately. He pulled into his parking space and shut off the car. “I'm not as afraid of joining with you like I was after you left the club."

  Kira knew he was referring to her use of the Death Words over him.

  He went on. “What I am afraid of is Elijah finding out, and doing us all harm. But the alternative is worse, so I chose to join. I care about you. I can't let anyone hurt you."

  Kira smiled at him, and leaning over, wrapped her arms around his trim waist. “I am so glad,” she whispered. “I did not want to go on without you."

  "Keep that thought, honey,” Lucas said hoarsely, as he pulled away to open his door. Getting out, he reached his powerful arms inside and lifted her from the car.

  "Do none of you think I can walk?” Kira asked, as he carried her up a flight of stairs and down a long hallway.

  "Honey,” he drawled. “It isn't we don't think you can. It's just we don't want you to. You feel too damn good in our arms."

  She laughed and snuggled against him.

  Soon she was standing inside Lucas’ apartment. The living room was painted a deep cream color and was decorated in animal prints from around the world. The sofa and loveseat were rich leather, and plants were set here and there on the hardwood floors. It was tidy looking, as if Lucas was hardly there to mess it up. Large windows looked out over a courtyard with a swimming pool. Kira could see someone doing laps, ignoring the early morning chill.

  "Why don't you go take a shower while I make breakfast?” Lucas spoke from directly behind her and Kira couldn't help but jump. Lucas snickered, and in retaliation Kira smacked his arm.

  "That's gonna cost you some bacon.” He grinned at her. “Come on. Let me show you the bathroom."

  He led her down the hall and into the bedroom. Masculine looking in rich browns and greens, it looked more lived in, with clothes strewn here and there. A huge king-size bed took up most of the room. He opened the door to the bathroom.

  "There are fresh towels in the closet, and you're welcome to use anything in there you need."

  "Clothes."

  "What?"

  "I need something to wear after I bathe. I left my backpack with Gallegar."

  "Oh.” Lucas thought quickly, then opening a dresser drawer, rummaged through it until he found an oversized T-shirt he wore when exercising. “Will this do?"

  Kira took it from him and held it against herself. The hem went to below her knees. “Yes,” she said. “This will do fine."

  Reaching up, she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you.” She walked into the
bathroom and closed the door.

  Lucas didn't move until he heard the shower running. Then he blew out a long breath, and willed his body to cool down. Having her here was every bit as difficult as he had thought it would be. He'd been in a state of semi-arousal ever since Gallegar had seated her in his jeep. The thought of her naked in the shower ... well that was almost more than his poor old body could take.

  He walked out of the room to the kitchen and busied himself with making breakfast. He tried to put his mind in order. He flinched at the thought that once they were joined, Kira would be able to read his X-rated thoughts.

  Hell, what am I saying? If everything went as planned, Gallegar would be able to read them too, and he knew that meant trouble. The vampire had made it quite plain he thought Kira belonged to him.

  Lucas turned the strips of bacon frying nicely in the pan. His stomach growled and he realized he too was hungry. He added a few more pieces. He frowned unseeingly at the stove.

  God, he was attracted to her. She was beautiful and fearless, yet she had touched a core of protectiveness in him from the moment he had seen her walking toward him. Do I even have a chance with her? Hell, he hadn't even joined with her yet, and he was already half in love. What will it be like afterward?

  Carefully he put the drained bacon in the warming tray and began to break some eggs into the pan. While he was waiting, he popped pieces of toast into the toaster. Four days without food. He frowned again and added a few more eggs. She would need the extra.

  What would this joining be like? He beat the eggs into frothy gold. Sharing my mind? He thought of the emotion in Gallegar's eyes, as he spoke of feeling his heart beat for the first time. He thought of Danolas, who was thrilled to now be able to see the other realms so clearly.

  What will Kira do for me? What will I do for her?

  Lucas heard a sound behind him and turning, he saw Kira standing hesitantly in the doorway. Her hair was damp and wet and it hung down below her hips. The oversize T-shirt did nothing to mask her femininity, but emphasized her long legs, and Lucas felt his mouth go dry as he looked at her.

  His sharpened senses could smell the fragrance of his shampoo on her skin. He swallowed hard.

  "Sit down,” he managed. “It's ready."

  Kira slipped into the closest chair. She could sense Lucas was uncomfortable with her, but wasn't quite sure why. She waited as he brought a plate to her. She smiled a thank you up at him, but he backed off quickly.

  "While you're eating, I'll go take a shower. Then maybe you can tell me some of the history I've missed ... starting with your awakening."

  "All right, Lucas.” She swallowed, heavily. “Can I eat now?"

  Lucas couldn't help but grin and the tension level dropped. “Sure, honey, I'll be back in just a bit.” He loped down the hallway out of her sight.

  Kira realized she was starving. It was all she could do not to shovel in huge mouthfuls. It was so delicious. She had never tasted this type of sustenance before, but if all food was as good as this, she would enjoy being alive.

  She let her mind drift as she ate, thinking of the sensations she had felt during her two joinings that day.

  Gallegar ... just the thought of him relaxed her. His was a joining of love, of togetherness, of commitment. She knew now she loved him, in a way that made her heart leap and her body warm.

  Then there was Danolas. His joining was so different. The feelings that enveloped her with him were of a deep mental bonding. They had met on a different plain of existence, and their mental feelings of love and companionship were as strong as those she felt with Gallegar. She loved him too, in a different way.

  Kira sensed Lucas’ return, just as she was trying to decide if it would be rude to help herself to more food. She turned to ask him, but was struck dumb by what she saw. Her mouth went dry and her mind went blank.

  He'd showered, and had changed into a pair of gray sweatpants that rode low on his hips. He had thrown a clean shirt on, but hadn't buttoned it. Kira could see his chest was strongly muscled and a fine pelt of fur covered it, tracing its way down to his navel, before disappearing into the sweats.

  Suddenly, Kira knew why Lucas had been so uncomfortable. He desired her, and may the Power help her, she was attracted to him too. Stunned, she raised her gaze to Lucas'. His eyes were burning with a silver fire that had no part of power.

  As she watched, his sweat pants began to show his awakening desire.

  "Turn away, Kira. Now, while I can still let you.” Lucas’ voice was hoarse with need.

  Slowly, her body shaking, Kira turned back to the table and stared down at her plate. Her mind was filled with confusion. Gallegar's face rose in her mind and she squeezed her eyes shut, remembering how it felt to lie in his arms. She had felt a strong need there, the burning desire to give herself to him. Is that what this feeling is too? Her hunger disappeared as she tried to think through what she was feeling.

  Lucas saw desire in her eyes and wanted to reach for her, to drag her to the floor and press himself into her. The only thing that had stopped him was the shock that also filled her eyes.

  He walked past her and to the stove, painfully aware of his throbbing erection. Thank God he had kept a pair of briefs on under his sweats or he might have really given her an eyeful. He dished himself up a plate of eggs, grabbed the rest of the bacon and toast, and turning, sat down at the table with her. At least the table hid his groin.

  Lucas looked at her and frowned, as he saw her staring at the table. Her fingers were laced together and she was squeezing them so tight, her knuckles were white.

  "Hey,” he said softly, catching her attention. Her gaze met his and he saw again the shock warring with the desire. He wanted to go to her, but he wasn't sure if that was a good idea in his present state.

  "It's okay, honey.” He grinned ruefully. “Now you know how I feel about you. It's kind of hard for a man to hide it.” He tried for lightness hoping it would help her.

  Kira took a deep breath. She watched him carefully. “This has happened to you before?” She saw dark color rise along his cheekbones.

  "Well, yeah,” he admitted. “You're a beautiful woman. I wanted you the first time I saw you."

  "Because I am beautiful."

  "That's the way it started, earlier this evening. Now...” He shrugged. “Now it's more than just your looks. You're a pretty special lady."

  "But I do not understand this feeling.” Now it was Kira's turn to color.

  Her blush delighted Lucas. He grinned at her, and started eating his food before it got cold. He decided a change of subject was in order. “If you're finished eating, tell me about yourself. Tell me how you came to be here."

  Kira took another deep breath. There was time later to explore her emotions. This feeling she felt for Lucas was interesting, but her heart still longed for Gallegar. He was the one who shared her soul.

  In a soft voice she related to Lucas how she had awoken alone and she had first met the Power. She told him of the visions she had been given, of how she had been sent to find Gallegar first. She told him of her welcome at his club, and then how they had been helped by the Power to get back on track, when their first meeting had turned to violence.

  She spoke of how the Power had sent her to him, and then shared her anguish when she had had to leave Lucas behind. She ended with his arrival at The Magick Box and what had happened to her there.

  Lucas finished eating long before she finished her story. He moved down closer to her and, as she spoke, he took her hand in his and stroked it gently.

  "And most of this all happened to you in less than twelve hours,” he marveled. “It's no wonder you're almost dead on your feet. Beautiful, sexy and strong. Hell of a combination."

  Kira blushed again.

  Lucas raised her to her feet, and led her down the hall back to the bedroom. Pulling back the covers, he set her gently on the side of the bed, and then knelt beside her.

  "Nothing will happen you don't want
, honey.” He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips. “Join with me, Kira. Make me part of you."

  Kira stared at him. Her breath came quickly from between her lips. “Hold me,” she quavered. “Please, just hold me."

  Lucas leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her quivering body. She was cool to the touch. Without releasing her, he lifted her and set her back on the pillow of his bed, then covered her with the down comforter.

  "Do not leave me.” Kira caught his hand as he started to straighten up.

  "Easy, honey. I'm just coming around to the other side.” He crawled in beside her, and took her back in his arms. Her skin warmed with the contact of his, and she snuggled down against him, releasing her power as she did so.

  Lucas felt his body begin a slow burn. He began to feel her power move around him. Like a huge cat, it slipped against his back and through his legs, up his neck and around his head. He began to breathe heavily as the power touched every part of him. It caressed him like a lover, smoothing itself over his shoulders and down his flat stomach. When it curled around his groin, he groaned in pleasure.

  She pressed against him, but his limbs were heavy ... unusable. All he could do was keep his arms wrapped around her and hang on for the ride. The power entered him, steadily growing with small bursts of sensation inside his sweating body. It was everywhere. Explosions of feeling rocked through him. He moaned her name and heard her respond with his own.

  Unable to prevent it, his own power burst from his skin. He could feel parts of himself changing.

  Kira sensed her power leave her. It grew hot, and stroked its way over the man holding her. She felt him grow warm, and her T-shirt was dampened by the sweat that broke out on his body. He held her tightly, and groaned as her power made him shiver in reaction. Her power called to his and, without warning, his rushed out at her in an explosion of need.

  It punched through her with the strength of a hurricane. It caught her up, tumbled her and threw her back against Lucas. She heard him moan her name and couldn't help but answer him with his own, as she felt Lucas’ beast catch her and envelop her in its own heat.